3The Pun-Humor for Idiots?[puhn] noun, verb, punned, pun·ning.–noun1. the humorous use of a word or phrase so as to emphasize or suggest its different meanings or applications, or the use of words that are alike or nearly alike in sound but different in meaning; a play on words.2. the word or phrase used in this way.–verb (used without object)3. to make puns.Puns began in the late 17th century and early 18th century England. Originally, it was called a pundigrion. At the time, monosyllables were popular, so they shortened the word to what we now know as a pun. Some people see it as the cheapest form of humor, designed to entertain idiots. My views are completely opposite. Those who hate the pun probably just don’t get them. You have to be endlessly clever to even come up with some of that stuff. It’s a form of art that only true geniuses can create, and understand. As Edgar Allen Poe said, “Of puns, it has been said that those who most dislike them are those who are least able to utter them.”

4The Tom SwiftyTom Swift was a made-up character, found in a series of children’s books. The writer of these books was Edward L. Stratemeyer. The series started in 1910, and ended in The pun is made by forming a relationship between what one is doing, and how they do or say it.Examples“Pass me the shellfish,” said Tom crabbily.“Don’t you fire that gun at me!” Tom shot back.“The robber went down the stairs,” said Tom condescendingly.“Baa," said Tom sheepishly.“Who discovered radium?” asked Marie curiously.

5The Homographic and HomophonicHomographic puns play on the multiple meanings a single word may have. On the other hand, homophonic puns play on words that sound alike, but are spelled differently. These are relatively common types of puns.ExamplesHomographic“My brother criticized my apartment, so I knocked him flat.”HomophonicSeven days without a pun makes one weak.

6Military IntelligenceThe OxymoronAn oxymoron is basically a working contradiction. (That’s an oxymoron in itself) It’s a pair of words that are opposites, but still make sense together. Some are based strictly on opinion.ExamplesAct naturallyBlack lightBigger halfCivil WarOriginal copyFound missingSmall crowdRandom orderOpinionated ExamplesMicrosoft WorksAdult maleMilitary IntelligenceCommon senseGood God

7The SpoonerismSpoonerisms are typically caused when one mixes up the beginning letters in one word with the beginning of another word when they are speaking. Though often funny, some can be taken offensively. I think they’re quite humorous, though.Examples"Three cheers for our queer old dean!" (dear old queen, referring to Queen Victoria)"The Lord is a shoving leopard." (a loving shepherd)"A blushing crow." (crushing blow)"Is the bean dizzy?" (dean busy)

8The DaffynitionDaffynitions are when you redefine a word. Redefining a word can be considered a pun, if the new definition is humorous or clever. The pronunciation of the word can be changed to fit the definition.ExamplesAlarms: What an octopus is.Dockyard: A physician's garden.Incongruous: Where bills are passed.Khakis: What you need to start the car in Boston.Pasteurize: Too far to see.Propaganda: A gentlemanly goose.Toboggan: Why we go to an auction.

9Much Ado About Nothing (Act II scene I)Shakespeare PunsShakespeare used tons of puns in his writing. The puns he used weren’t funny, though. Most of them were either sarcastic or kind of morbid. The characters say them in ways that are hard to catch, so you have to read through the text a couple times before you get them. That’s how it was for me, at least, and I still don’t get them.ExamplesMuch Ado About Nothing (Act II scene I)Beatrice: “The count is neither sad, nor sick, nor merry, nor well: but civil, count; civil as anorange, and something of that jealous complexion.”Context: Beatrice is referring to the character Claudio. Hint: There is a type of bitter orange thatcomes from Seville, Spain.

10Shakespeare Puns ContinuedRichard III (Act I scene 1)“Now is the winter or our discontentMade glorious summer by this sun of York…”Context: These are the opening lines of Richard III. King Richard III was the son of the Duke ofYork.3. Romeo and Juliet (Act I scene IV)Mercutio: “Nay, gentle Romeo, we must have you dance.”Romeo: “Not I, believe me. You have dancing shoesWith nimble soles; I have a soul of leadSo stakes me to the ground I cannot move.”Context: Romeo is reluctant to attend a party because he is suffering from a broken heart.